In the world of ultra running, overtraining is a topic that is often discussed. It is certainly something I have suffered with myself.

Overtraining occurs when we push our body beyond its limits, resulting in exhaustion, injury, and a decline in performance. This is an issue that affects any athlete at some point in their journey regardless of ability level.

Overtraining is a result of focusing solely on achieving goals without paying attention to our bodies. It is common for us ultra runners to push ourselves to the brink, thinking that more training will always lead to better results. However, this approach often backfires, leading to burnout and injury. Consistency of training matters.

To create adaptation without overtraining we must become experts in listening to our own body and taking the necessary rest days to recover. True success in ultra running comes from the balance of hard work and recovery. By taking care of our bodies and prioritising rest, we can ensure that we are able to perform at our best and avoid injury.

Ultimately, ultra running is a journey, not a destination. It’s about the love of the sport, the challenge of pushing our own limits, and the satisfaction of achieving the ridiculous goals we set ourselves. Overtraining can jeopardise all of these things, and so it’s important to approach the sport with a balance of dedication and self-care.

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